Archive Search Page

Army Cadet drummer Stephen Farrar with the Charles Pollard Memorial cup for the best local drummer.

From an article by Norman Powell:
Local bands fared badly against strong opposition from Yorkshire at the 20th annual youth band contest held at Towneley on Saturday, 19th June 1971. Although Ravensthorpe St John Ambulance Brigade won only two major trophies, their all-round marking was high enough to gain them two further awards, Best Band of the Day, and the Best Bandmaster, Mr R. Kitson. His patience was finally rewarded after seven appearances at the contest. The strongest challenge for the top award came from Dewsbury Youth Band and Stockport Sea Cadets. The Burnley Army Cadet band was the only local band to provide any sort of challenge to the visitors, being awarded the Burnley Express Cup for the best local band, and drummer Stephen Farrar winning the Charles Pollard Memorial Cup for the best local drummer.

Mr Simon Towneley, High Sheriff of Lancashire, was the contest president, and took the salute at the final march past. The Mayor, and Mayoress of Burnley, Ald. and Mrs. D. Parkinson, were on the platform, supported by former Mayors - Ald. and Mrs E. Willis, Ald. and Mrs. D. Newlove, and Councillor and Mrs A. Procter, all keen supporters of the event. The judges were: Deportment: Mr. H. Wilkinson (Boys' Brigade); Mr. G. Wootton (St John Ambulance Brigade); Flt. Lt. J. Atherton (ATC). Music: drum section, Mr. G. P. B. Bamford; Bugle and trumpet section, Mr. J. Hoyle. The officials were: chairman, Mr J. McNabb; secretary, Miss O. Lamb; treasurer, Mr J. Bottomley; recorder, Mr W. Nevison; marshal, Mr. G. Thompson; catering, Mrs P. McNabb and Miss O. Lamb; co-ordinator, Mr A. P. Lee. The large number of spectators could not fail to be impressed by the enthusiasm and quality of the 250 boys and girls who took part in the contest.
The article gives a full list of results.